"This government funding will play a vital role in ensuring UK academics can continue to study the secrets of our solar system,
from the polar regions of the moon to the potential of life on Mars.

"Research and innovation are at the core of our Industrial Strategy, and by investing in these types of projects, we are
reinforcing our position as a world leader in these important and exciting areas."

The £3 million from the UK Space Agency's Aurora Science Programme is to be shared between 17 teams working at UK research
organisations.

One of the biggest grants, £346,592, will go to an Oxford University group led by Professor Peter Read looking at the impact
of dust storms on the Martian climate.

Another funding package of £329,278 will help Open University scientists led by Dr Stephen Lewis study the Martian water
cycle by analysing data from the ExoMars 2016 Trace Gas Orbiter spacecraft.